Vitus Audio MULTI-SPEED BICYCLES, Bicycle Owner's Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
VITUS OWNER’S MANUAL
FOR MULTI-SPEED BICYCLES
NOTE: This manual is not intended as a comprehensive assembly, use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see
your dealer for all assembly, service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics
or books on bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance.
IMPORTANT: This manual contains important safety, performance and service information. Read it before you take the
rst ride on your new bicycle, and keep it for reference. Additional safety, performance and service information for specic
components such as pedals, or for accessories such as helmets or lights that you purchase, may also be available from
your dealer. Make sure that your dealer has given you all the manufacturers’ literature that was included with your bicycle
or accessories. If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for your safety and consult
with your dealer as a rst point of contact.
01
CONTENTS
GENERAL WARNING
NOTE TO PARENTS
1. FIRST
Bike t
A.
Safety rst
B.
Mechanical safety check
C.
First ride
D.
2. SAFETY
The basics
A.
Riding safety
B.
Wet weather riding
C.
Riding at night
D.
Competition
E.
Changing components
F.
Maximum weight
G.
3. FIT
Standover height
A.
Saddle position
B.
Handlebar height and angle
C.
Control position adjustments
D.
Brake reach
E.
4. TECHNICAL
Initial assembly
A.
Wheels
B.
Wheel Quick Release
1.
Removing and installing Quick Release wheels
2.
Brakes
C.
Gears
D.
Pedals
E.
Tyres and tubes
F.
Tightening of fasteners
G.
5. SERVICE
03
03
04
04
04
04
05
06
06
06
07
07
08
09
09
09
09
09
10
11
11
11
11
12
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Service intervals
A.
If your bicycle sustains an impact
B.
Replacement parts
C.
19
20
20
02
GENERAL WARNING:
Like any sport, cycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility
for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and
maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of injury. This manual contains many “warnings”
and “cautions” concerning the consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of failure to follow safe
cycling practices.
• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.
• The word caution used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation which, if not voided, could result in serious
damage to the bicycle or the voiding of your warranty.
Many of the warnings and cautions say “you may lose control and fall”. Because any fall can result in serious injury or even
death, we do not always repeat the warning of possible injury or death. Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation
or condition which can occur while riding, this manual makes no representation about the safe use of the bicycle under all
conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the
sole responsibility of the rider.
A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS:
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety of your child, and that includes making sure
that the bicycle is properly tted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you and your child
have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle; and that you and your child have learned, understand and
obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and trafc laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and
responsible cycling. As a parent, you should read this manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions
and operating procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.
WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your
child understands that a bicycle helmet is for cycling only, and must be removed when not riding. A helmet must not be
worn while playing, in play areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time while not riding a bicycle.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
03
1. FIRST
Note: we strongly urge you to read this manual in its entirety before your rst ride. At the very least, read and make sure
that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely
understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this manual. Ask your dealer to point out
the features of your bicycle.
A. Bike t
1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see section 3.A. If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may lose control
and fall. If your new bike is not the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.
2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see section 3.B. If you adjust your saddle height, follow the minimum insertion
instructions in section 3.B.
3. Are saddle and seatpost securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will allow no saddle movement in any direction.
See section 3.B.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see section 3.C.
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust their angle and reach. See section 3.D
and 3.E.
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your rst ride, have your dealer explain any
functions or features which you do not understand.
B. Safety rst
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for t, use
and care.
2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment? (See section 2). It’s your responsibility to
familiarize yourself with the laws of the areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly operate your wheel quick releases? Check section 4.B.1 To make sure. Riding with an
improperly adjusted wheel quick release can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause
serious injury or death.
4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make sure you know how they work (see section 4.E).
These pedals require special techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use, adjustment
and care.
5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip may be able to contact the front wheel when
a pedal is all the way forward and the wheel is turned. Read section 4.E. To check whether you have toe overlap.
C. Mechanical safety check
Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride. Nuts, bolts screws & other fasteners: because manufacturers
use a wide variety of fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials, often differing by model and component, it
is not possible for this manual to specify correct torque (tightening force) for each specic fastener on your bicycle. We can
tell you the importance of correct torque, but not the specic torque required for each fastener on your bicycle (see section
4.G). To correctly torque a fastener, a torque wrench must be used. A professional bicycle mechanic with a torque wrench
should torque the fasteners on your bicycle. If you choose to work on your own bicycle you must get correct tightening
torque specications from the bicycle or component manufacturer or from your dealer. If you need to make an adjustment
at home or in the eld, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as
soon as possible.
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WARNING: Correct tightening force on fasteners – nuts, bolts, screws – on your bicycle is important. Too little force, and
the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either way,
incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can cause you to lose control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground.
Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. If there are any loose parts or
accessories secure them. If you’re not sure, ask an experienced cyclist or mechanic to check.
Tyres & wheels:
Make sure tyres are correctly inated (see section 4.F.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on the intersection
of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tyre deection. Compare what you see
with how it looks when you know the tyres are correctly inated; and adjust if necessary. Are both tyres in good condition?
Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tyres before riding the bike. Are both
wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to side even
slightly, or rubs against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualied bike shop to have the wheel trued.
CAUTION: Wheels must be true for the brakes to work effectively. Wheel truing is a skill which requires special tools and
experience. Do not attempt to true a wheel unless you have the knowledge, experience and tools needed to do the
job correctly.
Are both wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and undamaged along the braking surface, and
check for excess rim wear. (See section 5.A.4).
Brakes:
Check the brakes for proper operation (see sections 4.C). Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quickreleases closed?
Are all control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the brake pads contact the wheel rim squarely and make full
contact with the rim? Do the brake pads touch the wheel rim within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full
braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the
bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.
Quick releases:
Make sure the front wheel, rear wheel and seat post quick releases are properly adjusted and in the locked position. See
section 4.B.
Handlebar and saddle alignment:
Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough so that you can’t
twist them out of alignment. See sections 3.B and 3.C.
Handlebar ends:
Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, have your dealer
Replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends and aerobar extensions are plugged. If not, have your dealer plug them
before you ride. If the handlebars have aerobar extensions, make sure they are clamped tight enough so you can’t twist
them.
Warning: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or aerobar extensions can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars or extensions can cut you and cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
Rear derailleur hanger:
Make sure the rear derailleur hanger is straight and undamaged. If bent or broken,
Have your dealer replace it before you ride. (See section 5.B).
D. First ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your rst familiarization ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled
environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls, features
and performance of your new bike. Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see section 4.C). Test the brakes
at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake rst.
05
Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock
up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel
locks up.
If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the pedals. See paragraph B.4 above and
section 4.E.4. Practice shifting the gears (see section 4.D). Remember to never move the shifter while pedalling backward,
nor pedal backwards immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to
the bicycle. Check out the handling and response of the bike for t and comfort.
If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is not as it should be, consult your dealer before your
next ride.
2. SAFETY
A. The basics
WARNING: Many countries require specic safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of
the region where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and your bike as
the law requires.
Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, reectors, licensing of bicycles,
riding on footpaths, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, and special bicycle trafc laws.
It’s your responsibility to know and obey the laws.
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certication standards and is appropriate for the type of riding
you do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for t, use and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle
injuries involve head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate helmet.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or death.
2. Always do the mechanical safety check (section 1.C) before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: Brakes (section 4.C.); Pedals (section 4.E.); Shifting (section
4.D.)
4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth of chainrings, the moving chain, the
turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning wheels of your bicycle.
5. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that shoe laces cannot get into moving parts and
never ride barefoot or in sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of
the road or trail.
• Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike can be fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle and
its components. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious damage, to their bicycles as well as to themselves.
Before you attempt to jump or race with your bike, read and understand section 2.E.
7. Ride at a speed appropriate for current conditions and surroundings. Increased speed means higher risk.
B. Riding safety
1. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Respect their rights.
2. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.
3. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road or your lane ahead of you, or coming up behind you.
• Parked car doors opening.
06
• Pedestrians stepping out.
• Children or pets playing near the road.
• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks, expansion joints, road or sidewalk construction, debris and other obstructions
that could cause you to swerve into trafc, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.
4. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the road as possible, in the direction
of trafc ow or as directed by local governing laws.
5. Stop at stop signs and trafc lights; slow down and look both ways at street intersections. Remember that a bicycle
always loses in a collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.
6. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
7. Never ride with headphones. They mask trafc sounds and emergency vehicle sirens, distract you from concentrating
on what is going on around you, and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle, causing you to lose control.
8. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved helmet and secured in a correctly mounted child
carrier or a child carrying trailer.
9. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the bicycle, or which could become
entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.
10. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
11. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies, jumps or go racing with your bike despite our
advice not to, read Section 2.E, Competition, now. Think carefully about your skills before deciding to take the large risks
that go with this kind of riding.
12. Don’t weave through trafc or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.
13. Observe and yield the right of way.
14. Never ride your bicycle while under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.
15. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at dawn, dusk or in the dark, or when extremely tired.
Each of these conditions increases the risk of accident.
16. Always carry some form of identication, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along some
cash for a candy bar, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
C. Wet weather riding
WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both for the cyclist and for other vehicles sharing the road.
The risk of an accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions.
Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is
dramatically reduced and your tires don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose
control. To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes
earlier and more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions. See also Section 4.C.
D. Riding at night
Riding a bicycle at night is many times more dangerous than riding during the day. A cyclist is very difcult for motorists
and pedestrians to see. Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, at dusk or at night. Adults who choose to accept
the greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take extra care both riding and choosing specialist
equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult your dealer about night riding safety equipment.
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